About us

Practical Action is an international development organization with a vision for a world that works better for everyone.

We exist to change the systems that keep people in poverty and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, nature loss and pollution. We work alongside communities to build resilient livelihoods and thriving, inclusive societies.

In Kenya, we have been active since 1990, implementing impactful programmes that have changed lives. We are a trusted partner to the national and county governments, private sector, communities, funders and development organizations. We operate offices in Nairobi, Kisumu and Kakamega.

We are committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through all our work. This includes programmes, knowledge sharing, advocacy, external communications, and our own organisational development. At a minimum, we ensure that all our work is gender sensitive, seeking gender transformative approaches as our overall ambition and in accordance with context.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The aim of this consultancy is to undertake a GEDSI analysis in Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a & Kajiado Counties to explore gender specific barriers, needs and opportunities within targeted county governments and community systems level in the energy space in specific counties. The result of the assessment will be used to develop an evidence-driven gender action plan and ensure that gender transformative approaches are mainstreamed across the program’s design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, as well as in the development of the project’s learning agenda. The process will enhance the integration of Gender Equity Disability and Social Inclusion principles in the County Energy Plans, Energy plans and investment prospectuses to make them accessible, affordable and sustainable for all community members in the identified counties.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The specific objectives of the analysis include:

• To better understand the root causes of gender inequalities i.e. the barriers and other underlying issues that are preventing gender transformation within the County Energy Plans (CEPs), Energy Policies, and Investment Prospectuses policy environment.
• To support the mainstreaming of gender transformation across the Theory of Change based on analysis findings and draw a project specific gender Action plan.
• To draw an effective gender inclusion approach into the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) frameworks, project work plan, budget and key program interventions, including the development of project influencing plan.
• To support the design and development of effective gender capacity building initiatives and tools for the PACE project participants, stakeholders and staff.

How to apply

A detailed Terms of Reference can be accessed from the website download section.

Interested consulting entities that have capacity to deliver this TOR are invited to submit a complete proposal to Bids.Consultancy@practicalaction.or.ke with subject line “Gender Analysis for PACE Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a & Kajiado, PACE Project”” to reach Practical Action on or before Friday 8th January 2026. All information/data provided will be handled in utmost confidentiality and will only be used for recruitment purposes.

Guidelines for Submission

Interested Consultants or firms are requested to submit.

• A technical proposal outlining their Proposed workplan: methodology, timelines, and deliverables.
• Detailed financial proposal in Kenyan Shillings: If the team consists of several members, the professional fees should not just be a daily rate, but it should be based on clearly shown time allocation by each member of the team to the various activities.
• Copies of all relevant Curriculum Vitae (CVs). Only CVs for the specific individuals that will form the proposed survey team should be included; two references (including one from your last client).
• Samples of previous work related to policy review and gender mainstreaming.
• Tax compliance certificates

Award criteria

The evaluation of the quotations will be based on the best value for money, weighing up technical quality (the methodology and the CV of the consultant) and price of the quotation.

Additional Information

Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups. We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks.

Note: Practical Action reserves the right to accept or reject any application.